As you can imagine, I receive loads of emails on a daily basis. If it’s not updates from my assistant, it’s a to-do list from my publicist. If it’s not a concern or homework submission from my mentees, it’s a question from someone in my tribe.

Girlfriend. Loads.

I really do love hearing from my tribe. It’s my favorite moment of the day when I receive questions from people who take interest in my work. I always try my best to give my undivided attention and get to know each one on a personal level. This week I received an interesting question that actually inspired this blog post.

Whenever I receive an inquiry for someone who’d like to pick my brain. I always ask, “Are you interested in becoming a client or do you have a quick question?” It helps me understand the intensity of the problem at hand.

A gentleman recently slid into my Facebook inbox and asked me how to create an effective mentorship program. I guess because he has been noticing how mine (newgirlontheblock.com) has been thriving in such a short amount of time. We’ve mentored and directly impacted over 80 women and girls in 5 countries.

Hastag. Blessed.

He said he had a quick question. Only “how to create an effective mentorship program” does not have a quick answer. Any question around branding usually doesn’t. Don’t get me wrong. I am always grateful that someone wants advice from me and I do my best to help. But I have to keep it all the way real. I like to help people who help themselves.

Let me give you a best practice that I use before I approach anyone: I always try to exhaust all options first.

I have 4 mentors who play a consistent role in my life. They are super successful and rich in experience, relationships, opportunities and… let’s not even be coy here, money. In short – they are busy people. And even though I could call them any time or shoot a quick email, I always try to find a solution before I approach them.

Because:

a.With so many resources at hand – that are free btw – 9 times out of 10, the answer is available to me online if I really try to look. I like to say Youtube and Google are the best university.

b. I like a good challenge. I could ask my mentors to get an easy answer or I could tackle my challenge head on and give it a try.

Use this practice often. Especially at your job. Before you raise your hand, try to be resourceful. Try your best to find a solution on your own. Only when you have done that, should you approach someone with questions.

I tell my assistant and staff the same thing I am telling you. I am a last resort. I encourage everyone I know to face their challenges and try to conquer them. I am always here to help, but I will be more inspired to help if I see you trying you best. Then I know you’re hungry. I know you really want it. What I don’t respect is someone who looks for short cuts and wants the easy answers. Life just doesn’t work out that way and you simply won’t respect the journey if you take the easy road.

Struggle builds character. It helps you develop thick skin. So embrace those moments.

I also give this advice knowing full well that not only do I practice it daily, but I really love the treasure hunt to find my own answers because I have learned so much along the way. Girl, I kill YouTube all day. I listen to a sermon in the morning, I usually listen to Gary Vaynerchuck or Myleik Teele during the day, and or a series of Top 10 Rules before I good to bed.

Been doing this for years. I spend countless hours in study mode.

(Years?)

Yes, years. Because I am hungry and I really want to learn and grow. Not only does it add value to my life, but I then put myself in a position to win. Knowledge is power. So I created this post to share some insight on my fave speakers, educators, podcasts and cool resources for you to enjoy. Think of this as the ‘short cut’ you’ve always wanted.

I am the co-founder of New Girl on the Block, a mentorship platform for millennial women who are dealing with major life and career transitions. In addition, my passion includes advocacy for anti-bullying and mental health in which I contribute my free time spreading awareness, providing expertise on media platforms and delivering keynote talks in schools nationwide. When I'm not working with young adults, I am growing my brand as a content strategist. I have successfully crafted a business in storytelling as a Journalist, Author and Ghostwriter.

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